2014 has been called a ‘bloggers heaven,’ particularly if they are observers of politics. It’s is election year in New Zealand and I am going to join the group of people who regularly contribute their ‘unbiased’ thoughts. I admit to favouring the slightly ‘left of centre in NZ,’ and I openly own up to having joined the Labour Party; however if that means that I come in for some stick for criticising party policy or individuals, then I fully expect to earn some rebuke or even to get tossed out of the party. Being in a party has never sat comfortably with me; if that means following the party line, so maybe I have sown the seeds of my own expulsion by admitting to these ‘serious political failings.’
I am not going to sit by and watch stupid games that are so often played by members of all political parties, especially at election time. I am not going to take as the ‘truth,’ utterances from party leaders or minions, just because that is ‘their policy!’
When I hear or read about ‘policy’ that resonates with me I shall say that I like it, be it from Labour, the Greens or anyone else. Where I see stupidity I shall also highlight it. If I find that I have said something that is wrong, re policy or any other comments I have made, I shall say I am wrong or have changed my mind.
New Zealand is at a crossroads as to what we want for our future. We have sold off much of what is valuable re our State Assets. We have gone down a pathway that is driven by economic theory that claims ‘Trickle Down’ as its basis. I believe this to be a misnomer; it should have been called ‘Trickle Up,’ because that is what has happened. A smaller tiny group at the top now owns about 85% of the wealth in NZ. I find this abhorrent. The gap between rich and poor has never been as large, in my lifetime that is.
With the above statement, I think you can see where I am at the moment, and I admit to having that colouring my viewpoint. But, once again, when I listen to some of the statements by some politicians on the Left/Green alliance, I am sometimes not in agreement. Equally, occasionally, I hear and read policy from the National Party that is not totally divergent from my own beliefs. That does not make me a National Party supporter. Let’s face it: much of the legislation passed in parliament, is supported by both major parties!
NZ First also holds true to a few policies that, due to my ‘age’ feel comfortable for me. Hey I want to be able to use my Gold Card in a few years so watch out any political who meddles with the gains that Winston has helped to bring about!
OK, the scene is set. Take this posting as NUMERO UNO!
www.authorneilcoelman.com
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